Slow computer: causes and possible solutions

Do you notice that your computer is slower than normal? This is a common problem, especially when some time passes and we have accumulated a large amount of files and data. And the thing is that computers do not work the same when they have just been purchased, as they do when they have been in use for several months. No matter how careful we are, the fact of using programs every day, downloading files and browsing the Internet causes files to be installed, cookies, and in the worst case malware, one of the first causes that we have to observe for slowness problems.

If you have this problem, notice the slow computer and you need it to work as smoothly and agilely as it did a while ago, keep reading. Below we give you some keys that you should put into practice to gain speed.

1. Check your computer for malware

As we mentioned before, one of the first things you have to check is that your computer is free of malware or viruses. On the Internet there are many programs to detect and remove malware, like AdwCleaner, or free antivirus like Avast o AVG, which also fulfill this function. Likewise, you also have the possibility of using Windows Defender, if you have Windows 10. Enter this service and go to Quick exam to start a system scan.

2. Uninstall programs you no longer use

If you are one of those who accumulate programs and folders full of files and more files, it is time for you to clean and start eliminating everything you no longer need. In case you don't know, having a full hard drive slows down your computer enormously. We recommend that you only have the applications and programs that you usually use installed. You can have everything else in cloud storage services or on external hard drives.

3. Format the hard drive

When you have put your hard drive in order, why don't you proceed to format it? A comprehensive cleaning will make your slow computer stop being slow. Do a hard drive format It is the best thing for the system to unload everything and once again welcome the operating system and the essential apps and services that we need with open arms.

slow computer

4. Change the hard drive for an SSD

HHD hard drives are a thing of the past. The current trend is to have ultra-fast SSD hard drives to gain speed when operating the computer. By working only with chips and not with mechanical parts, the speed of these discs skyrockets.

5. Increase RAM

Another tip to make a slow computer go faster is to increase RAM memory. This memory is responsible for our PC being able to manage more information at the same time. This means that the load is much lower and performance improves considerably. The best figures for the computer to be more agile and loose are 16 or 32 GB, with 4 GB being the least recommended option in a current computer.

6. Decrease visual effects

If you are using Windows 10, we recommend that you put the brakes on the visual effects, especially if your computer has very tight hardware. To do this, go to the start menu and Control Panel. Once inside, look for the System and Security section, then clicking on System. Now, In the left column click on the Advanced system settings option . You will see that a new window opens. Click on Advanced from the top. Once inside, click on the Settings button in the Performance category to configure the computer's performance.

When the Performance Options window opens, you will see that it does so with the Visual Effects tab activated. A list will be displayed with all the Windows 10 visual effects, so you should only delete those effects that you no longer want to have.